SB Nation User Blog: RayAlmeda

Chris Sheridan of ESPN: Warriors/Clippers Trying to Land Marion?

RayAlmeda — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:15:41 -0000

Thanks to an earlier heads up from JimBarnett2KevinGarnett, the Warriors and Clippers are reported involved in "murmurs" to potentially land the Miami Heat's Shawn Marion.

Video interview from ESPN.com:

http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3480888&categoryId=2459788&n8pe6c=1

Apparently the chances of the Warriors landing him would be based on what happens with the Ronny Turiaf signing sheet news.

What is everybody's thoughts on this? Is this a realistic possibility for the Dubs if Marion plays the 4 and sets the perfect example for lanky players Wright and Randolph?

Exclusive: Warriors Meeting with Josh Childress?

RayAlmeda — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 07:52:49 -0000

Following all of this crazy news, it seems as if the Warriors are potentially already meeting with restricted free-agent Josh Childress of the Atlanta Hawks. Childress was seen at a restaurant in the Bay Area on Wednesday night by numerous sources.

I currently have a picture of him with a friend of mine, but obviously, it's on his myspace and it's too late to get a picture from him at this hour.

Childress can be potentially a bargain at the mid-level exception, which is just about $6 million/year.

I hope to have another update soon.

UPDATE - ESPN's Marc Stein: "Sixers very much in mix to land Brand"

RayAlmeda — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 06:50:29 -0000

A new update from ESPN's Marc Stein about the Philly 76er camp working the phones like crazy to create a deal that would send Elton Brand to the East Coast in Philadelphia.

This would not only bring Brand closer to his home in the East Coast, but also give him a young nucleus of Andre Miller, Andre Iguodala and Samuel Dalembert.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3477424

More drama for everyone. And 24 hours to go before we get the best indication for Brand's intentions for his future NBA team.

REPORT: Elton Brand Selling LA Home For $5M; Brand already a Warrior?

RayAlmeda — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:17:29 -0000

Here's some INTERESTING news for everybody. Coming from a very reliable source of mine has word that Elton Brand has placed his three-bedroom, 5,471-square-foot house in Los Angeles’ Hollywood Hills area back on the market for $4,998,500, two years after he first had listed the house at close to $5 million.

Could this be the confirmation that Brand already has agreed in principle with the Warriors' 5 year MAX offer?

Anybody remember when Jason Giambi did this to the A's years ago and later became a Yankee?

Take it as you will, but it seems that the Warriors are getting closer and closer towards potentially landing Brand as their new superstar with money issues being better resolved on Tuesday night.

Note some interesting developments today too:

1.) Warriors Are Shopping Al Harrington (http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=431805)

2,) Warriors not panicking if they don't land Brand (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/warriors/detail?blogid=39&entry_id=27854)

I'll have more details as they come.

UPDATE: Here's the link for the story, posted today:

http://www.bergproperties.com/blog/basketball-star-elton-brand-places-his-5471-square-foot-house-in-los-angeles-hollywood-hills-back-on-the-market-for-49985m/4213/celebrities

SUPPORTING ARTICLES:

http://www.ballerhouse.com/2008/07/07/on-the-market-elton-brands-modern-la-mansion/

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Elton-Brand-places-his-LA-house-back-on-the-mark?urn=nba,92388

Poll

What do you think NOW of the Warriors' chance of landing Elton Brand?

Already a sure bet!

5 votes

It looks a lot more realistic than it did last week.

43 votes

50/50: I'm still skeptical

74 votes

Little chance; the Clippers and Brand's word still has the upper hand.

88 votes

No chance; Brand wants a Championship ring.

29 votes

239 votes | Poll has closed

OFFICIAL: Baron Davis "verbally agrees" to sign with the LA Clippers

RayAlmeda — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:40:27 -0000

"Sources told ESPN.com that Davis, 29, will receive a five-year deal worth an estimated $65 million" -- ESPN.com's Marc Stein

LINK: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3470016

Reaction?

Now what do they Warriors do? Do they try to pull a "sneaky" and attempt for Elton Brand or Josh Smith? The team is running out of options and it seems like our chances for a championship within the next few years have pretty much left and gone. We're officially in rebuilding mode.

Poll

Which coveted free agent should the Warriors go after now that Baron Davis has agreed with the Clippers?

Elton Brand

145 votes

Gilbert Arenas

285 votes

Josh Smith

235 votes

Corey Maggette

37 votes

Emeka Okafor

32 votes

Luol Deng

24 votes

758 votes | Poll has closed

Baron Davis benched for partying too hard during his B-DAY?

RayAlmeda — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:30:45 -0000

Here's the link to the article:

http://www.wikio.com/sports/basketball/nba/nba_players/baron_davis?wfid=53222248

Alright - I know what you guys are thinking. WHO the hell is this guy posting this report with just a teeny-weeny bit of bias. The guy's obviously a Laker fan or some sort. Sure it's a possibility. Sure it's unacceptable to some degree. But the question remains... why would Nelson discipline Baron in such a way that would have such a negative effect on the team that night AND for the future? It just doesn't make sense.

I won't deny the report because there were also quoted remarks stating that Baron had a "cold" that was "sapping all of his energy." But based on some comments on sports radio shows yesterday morning (Gary Radnich, Razor + Mr. T, Murph and Mac), I'm hoping things don't get uglier than they already are.

We've already had a great season. So tomorrow... being "fan appreciaiton night," let's make it "team appreciation night" in respect to these NBA professionals that exceeded our expectations once again.

I can't wait for tonight's game. I can't wait for draft day and our trade exeption being used. And I certainly can't wait for us to shock the world further.

The NBA Owes Us - The Warriors... In 08-09

RayAlmeda — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:35:12 -0000

Alright I wanted to be one of the first to post after this disappointing result against the Suns.

Sure we gave up a 11-0 run to them in the end, but think about this guys... we were to finish 50-32 and 50-32 for the Nuggets... wouldn't it make it even worse? Losing to a team going to the playoffs because of a TIEBREAKER. Or even worse... a horrible Delaney call?

Alright guys... let's look towards 2008. It's now time for the bandwagon Warrior fans to get outta the scene and let the hardcore dub fans to root on their underdog Warriors do their magic again next year.

Maybe I'm talking crazy... but let's show our dubs our appreciation this Wednesday. After capping last season's historic playoff run, they gave us 7-8 wins MORE. And that's after winning that 8 or 9 games at the end of last year! IF we made the playoffs... we'd be AGAINST the toughest conference in NBA history, slated to face... THE LAKERS. Imagine that Bay Area embarassment!

The draft is months away... but if we can find Monta Ellis and Biedrins in the rough in this sort of position... you never know. Kevin Love? Trade for Beasley? Trade for Brand? A lot of crazy possibilities... but our core will remain the same and Nelly will be in his FINAL YEAR.

Some people say we should take 2009 easy... but let's run right by our opposition since the NBA obviously has yet to catch up with us... let's earn our respect, get a good start and win 50. 50 to history. And shock the world.

DON'T STOP BELIEVING. LET'S GO WARRIORS!

Old but INSPIRING Warriors End-of-Season Montage: "Hopeful"

RayAlmeda — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 09:42:11 -0000

I decided to put this up since not a lot of people have this video. It's the 2005 end-of-season montage after the Warriors destroyed Utah in their final regular season game. Yes - that 2005, when Baron Davis JUST joined the Warriors and the second-half was actually a winning one.

Some memorable moments in here... some good (Fisher's 3 to win the game and Adonal Foyle blocking Ben Wallace) to the bad (Dunleavy still there, Murphy, Tskitishvili)... but remember where the Warriors were here. An inspiring 2005 season with hope for 2006-2007 (which was last year's history playoff run).

Kind of makes you think how far a couple of years go in the NBA huh? Enjoy the video here guys:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5nW_IvimpI

From Daughtry: It's NOT Over!

RayAlmeda — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 06:18:45 -0000

Let's make Saturday night the day we show the Warriors how much we appreciate their effort this season. We still have a shot... and let's root for UTAH. There's no reason why this coming game isn't as loud as yesterday. Let's do this!

We Believe shirts everywhere. Signs everywhere. Going to the game early and psyching the Clippers out. The Warriors are tired and we're the GATORADE!

GSoM's representation tonight at the Denver game - TNT Poster

RayAlmeda — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 05:55:07 -0000

Alright... I really don't want to talk much about the loss yet. There's still a chance and for Warrior fans who still believe... you all know what we have to do make the playoffs. Win ALL THREE and have Denver lose TWO.

Anyway, I wanted to show off some pictures to take everyone's mind off of this game last night. HUGE Props to Chad Hancock and Greg Uhrik last night for helping me get down to the court once again without being kicked out.

As I told some of you guys, I'd be repping GSoM with a nice poster making fun of our favorite friend Chuck. Here's the pics:

Quite a few cameras including TNT's camera got me holding the sign for SURE (they even told me to hold it still so they get a good shot - took about 1 minute of it)... but I'm guessing they just couldn't show it because the Warriors lost and it didn't make sense. There goes another chance for GSoM's name to get out there. Never thought I'd say this...but GO JAZZ and GO ROCKETS. :-D

- Ray Almeda (ALMEHDA@AOL.COM)
Section 208, Row DS, Seats 15-16